The off season always brings about a deluge of coaching changes around the college football world. Some coaches get fired during the season, such as Lane Kiffin at USC, but aren’t replaced until the dust has settled on the final games of the year, while others, like our very own Nick Allioti, retire gracefully after long, successful careers. No matter the situation, …
Chip Kelly Update: Year in Review (Take One)
News stories aren’t really the first draft of history — they’re snapshots that someone can go through later and use to piece together what happened. No, it’s year end review articles like this one that are the real first draft. Please leave your edits and corrections in the comments. Chip Kelly was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles exactly one year …
Recruiting Analysis: Ducks Dodge Disaster
When news broke that Don Pellum was going to be Oregon’s new defensive coordinator, a number of people asked me how it would affect recruiting. ”It won’t,” I said, “the thing to watch is whether or not John Neal stays put.” I was worried, since I knew that Neal really wanted that defensive coordinator position. How would he react to …
Duckling Profile: Check Out These Dominic Arti-stats
Basketball: a sport that many a casual fan judges merely by points scored. Points, however, ultimately have little to do with final outcomes. As we know, teams can score 90 points and lose, then score 65 and win. This is a complex game where, as in many sports, many interdependent movements determine success. The points scored result from, not in spite …
The BCS is History, Will the Pac-12 Send the SEC with It?
It has been fascinating to watch the college football world attempt to justify the myth that the SEC remained, by a large margin, the best conference in the country throughout the 2013 season. In their eyes, this was the only (untouchable) view. This view has survived for a long time, and in fairness there have always been reasonably strong …
Recruiting Update: Oregon Ridin’ Roughshod in Southwest
Football Recruiting News Former Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti’s final stand at the Alamo Bowl gave Southwest superbeast Trey Lealaimatafao (3-Star/San Antonio, TX) a reason to think through his options. Lealaimatafao had been previously committed to Texas until this past November and recently named Oregon as the favorite to land his unique skill-set. “I really like the coaches at Oregon and …
What Fans are Getting in Oregon Football’s 2014 Schedule
With the Pac-12 schedule released last week, analysts everywhere have broken down, in detail, how the schedule will impact the 12 teams in the future. While analysts break down how the schedule impacts each team on the field, I was curious about how the schedule shakes out for the Oregon fans. (If you haven’t seen it yet, go here.) Let’s take …
A Wave of Change Engulfs the Football Program
Another football season has come and gone. Overall, it was another successful run for the Ducks, even if they did not meet their ultimate goals. Another 11-win season. Another win in a bowl game. Another top-ten ranking to wrap up the year. Mark Helfrich proved that he can handle the pressure of running a major college program, Marcus Mariota continued …
The Ballad of the Green Brigade
Fighting Ducks against the sky These are men who jump so high Men who mean just what they say The brave men of the Green Brigade Trained to live on Husky meat Washington they’re sure to beat Men who fight by day and night Listen not, to Herbie’s hype Put silver wings on my son’s chest Make him one …
Recruiting Analysis: Buckle Up as National Signing Day Approaches Like a Blur
Coaches don’t get gray hair in November, they get it in January. This is the time of year, while most think college football has gone cold and dark, that coaches everywhere are making a frenzied final push to sign the best class they possibly can. This includes ensuring their class doesn’t suffer any losses, which is tough considering the number …
Catch Your Breath! A Mid-Season Wrap. No Bigs but Ducks keep yellin’ Timber.
Following a loss to the Colorado Buffaloes, Oregon men’s basketball is now 1-1 in the Pac-12 and, it would appear, their season is a complete loss. Wait a second . . . not so fast, my friend! Sure, everyone hates to see a good win streak ended, but we all need to remember, the basketball season is a marathon and …
Recruiting Update: Swain Bringin’ the Pain
Football Recruiting News In a West Team romp, this past Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Game featured a trifecta of touchdowns coming by way of committed Oregon runner Royce Freeman (4-Star/Imperial, CA/Rivals100). On five carries, Freeman opened the country’s eyes to a blend of nimble power where the 6-foot, 227 lb. running back made short work of the East’s feeble attempts to …